Adult RDA 150 mcg/day (EFSA AI 150 mcg/day adults; WHO RNI 150 mcg/day). Pregnancy: 220-250 mcg/day (WHO/IOM). Lactation: 250-290 mcg/day. Upper Limit (UL): EFSA 600 mcg/day adults; IOM 1100 mcg/day adults. Typical supplement doses: 100-225 mcg/day as potassium iodide or potassium iodate. Avoid chronic intake >1100 mcg/day (risk of iodine-induced hyperthyroidism or autoimmune thyroiditis exacerbation).
Safety notes
Generally safe within recommended ranges. Excess intake (>1100 mcg/day adults chronic) may precipitate iodine-induced hyperthyroidism (Jod-Basedow phenomenon), hypothyroidism (Wolff-Chaikoff escape failure), or exacerbate autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto, Graves). Contraindicated or requires medical supervision in patients with pre-existing autoimmune thyroid disease, multinodular goitre, or thyroid carcinoma. Caution in pregnancy if dose >500 mcg/day. Rare hypersensitivity to iodine-containing compounds. Potassium iodide may cause GI irritation, metallic taste, sialadenitis at high doses. Drug interactions: lithium (additive hypothyroid risk), amiodarone (iodine-rich), anti-thyroid drugs (methimazole/PTU).
Cross-market regulatory status
🇺🇸 FDA
FDA: No SSA (Significant Scientific Agreement) authorized health claim exists for iodine under 21 CFR Part 101 Subpart E (the 12 SSA-eligible nutrients do not include iodine). Iodine is a recognized essential nutrient with an established RDI (150 mcg) per 21 CFR 101.9. Marketed in dietary supplements under DSHEA (1994) — structure/function claims permitted (e.g. "supports thyroid function", "supports normal energy metabolism") provided they carry the mandatory DSHEA disclaimer ("This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.") and the manufacturer notifies FDA within 30 days of first marketing per 21 USC 343(r)(6). GRAS status as a nutrient (potassium iodide, cuprous iodide, calcium iodate) for use in iodized salt and infant formula per 21 CFR 184.1634 / 21 CFR 184.1635.
🇪🇺 EFSA
EFSA / EU Commission Regulation (EU) 432/2012 authorizes 5 health claims for iodine in the Annex (Article 13.1 function claims), each subject to the condition that the food is at least a source of iodine per Annex to Regulation (EC) 1924/2006 (>=15% of NRV per 100 g / 100 mL / per portion). NRV for iodine = 150 mcg (Regulation 1169/2011 Annex XIII). EFSA Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL): 600 mcg/day adults; 200 mcg/day children 1-3 y; 250 mcg/day 4-6 y; 300 mcg/day 7-10 y; 450 mcg/day 11-14 y; 500 mcg/day 15-17 y. EFSA NDA Adequate Intake (AI, 2014): 150 mcg/day adults, 200 mcg/day pregnancy and lactation.
🇧🇷 ANVISA
ANVISA Instrução Normativa IN 28/2018 Anexo V authorizes iodine ("iodo") functional claims for dietary supplements ("suplementos alimentares") when the product delivers the minimum iodine content per portion specified in Anexo III of the same IN and complies with RDC 243/2018 and RDC 27/2010 labelling rules. The official Portuguese verbatim claim phrasings (starting with "O iodo auxilia...") could NOT be confirmed character-for-character in this drafting pass — BVSMS PDF returned 403/binary-undecodable, antigo.anvisa.gov.br URL returned 403, and LegisWeb HTML truncated before Anexo V. Verbatim wording flagged for verification (authorized_claims intentionally absent pending official PDF verification). Brazilian iodization of table salt mandated by Lei 6.150/1974 and RDC 23/2013 (15-45 mg iodine/kg salt). Pregnancy/lactation supplementation guidance per Ministério da Saúde / SBEM Departamento de Tireoide.
Authorized claims · verbatim (5)
Direct quotes from each jurisdiction's framework · never paraphrased · with framework reference and conditions of use.
🇪🇺 EFSA · 5 claims
Reg 432/2012
Iodine contributes to normal cognitive function
Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of iodine as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Reg 432/2012
Iodine contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of iodine as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Reg 432/2012
Iodine contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of iodine as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Reg 432/2012
Iodine contributes to the maintenance of normal skin
Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of iodine as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Reg 432/2012
Iodine contributes to the normal production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function
Conditions: The claim may be used only for food which is at least a source of iodine as referred to in the claim SOURCE OF [NAME OF VITAMIN/S] AND/OR [NAME OF MINERAL/S] as listed in the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Common use cases
thyroid hormone production support
normal thyroid function
energy-yielding metabolism
cognitive function support
nervous system function
maintenance of normal skin
prevention of iodine deficiency disorders
maternal supplementation for fetal neurodevelopment
